LASALLE graduate Joanna Lim presented a ready-to-wear collection around the theme of identity.

“I studied a specific minor ethnic group in Hainan, China – the Li Basadung Tribe. Women in Li Tribe tattoo their face with geometric lines in reference to Hoopoe bird, which have stripes on their feathers. Many cultures around the world practice body modification, as a form of identity, in the form of personal or a culture group. Body modification appears to have integrated into our personal identity. The face is arguably the most significant part of the body across all cultures. We wear our identity upfront through the modifications to our skin. and tell the people who we are through visual aspects. Instead of clothing, these modifications are our first skin. Tattoo is not only a painful process, but also a bloody grotesque procedure. However, you will see the workmanship and the intricacy of each tattoo design in the aftermath. Tattooing on facial features allows them to differentiate themselves from other tribes and at the same time, creating a unique identity for themselves.

The collection uses various combinations of textile manipulations that merge the uniqueness of an identity with elements of the future. Laser cutting techniques combined with digital printings and Swarovski crystals embellishments were used to achieve the textures of the collection. Each dotted lines resulted of the tattoo motif reflects an individual’s lifestyle and behaviour. This concept aims to remind individuals who we really are. It is the idea of embracing our identity. After all, our face is the most significant part of an identity.”